Winter update

    Life is good. :)

We've been busy, but that's the usual around here. Life with three kids is never, ever dull. 

   

  We've managed to stay pretty healthy so far this winter, with just a few rashes here and there, and strep throat about a month ago. I plan to keep it that way! Because of the flu being so rampant this year, I've kept the kids in more, and I've been throwing vitamins at them more than ever! Of course, they don't mind - Jared is sad when he only gets one, and the other two get two in the morning. It's hard being the third kid! 

   So, I guess I will use this post as an update on our lives...I will start with Jared!

  The kid is SO vocal. He makes me think he's already three, with his stature, and how smart he is! Let me tell you, though, this momma is ready for the age of three! I'm looking forward to the two's passing! He has a mind of his own, and he screams, and he demands things to be his way, or no way - such as today. We went on a walk, and, about halfway through, he had to be out of the stroller, pushing it, and I was NOT allowed to touch it. He had to do it all.by.himself. If I touched it, he screamed. Oh.my. 

  But, that said, I think we are just dealing with a toddler, and his tantrums will pass, of course, but not until after a bit of discipline, and time. I'm always telling myself, "This TWO shall pass!" :) 

  Lately he's into self portraits. 

  In fact, I have 410 of the same one he took of himself today in the bathroom, just in a minute or two. 

  But anyway, he is so smart. He already knows his colors, and he understands what all of us at the dinner table are talking about, most of the time! We ask him a random question sometimes about what we are talking about, and he can usually keep up. Love him! 

  And...he's a little ham. 

   If you catch him doing something he knows he shouldn't, he will look up at you and give you this face. 

  Oh, that boy. 

   I took this picture below a few weeks ago, because he was so interested in the kid potty after I brought it out. 

  He was really interested...and now, he's not. But - I have learned that I need to be a little more lax in the potty training department. So...I ask him each day, "You want to try and use the potty?" 

If he doesn't, then hey, I asked. :) I have learned to try and let the kid lead the way, not the mom! In the meantime, we sit on the potty whenever we feel like it, and we stick our tongue out! 

 In other news, we celebrated Justin's 35th birthday, and Brookelynn's sixth birthday this last month! We had the party at Dominoes in the party room, and Brookelynn wanted all things Moana, so Justin got to celebrate with a princess party...But I don't think he minded. :)  

 Brookey-Lynn, 

    We are so glad the Lord has entrusted us with you. Ever since you were born, you've lit up the room with your smile, and your sweet spirit. We're so excited to see where the Lord leads you in your life! Your joy is contagious, your laughter is a blessing, and you live up to your name. You are always reminding us to pray at the dinner table, hence your middle name Faith. When you are gone for a day, sometimes we forget to pray! You are a joy to be around, and we love you oh so much! 

                             Love, Mommy  and Daddy 

  And...what's Kaleb been up to? Kaleb has just been doing what he always does. He is SO smart, that's what. In Math, we've been learning addition and subtraction with flashcards. I've been having to make the problems harder for him. Instead of 9-4, it's 945-4. Just an example. If I don't make things harder for him, it's way too easy! 

   And, since I've now updated on all the kids, I will give you a little update on us...Justin's been working at Kinder Morgan. He's been really enjoying that. He loves his coworkers, and he loves the job itself. I'm so glad for him to have such a good job!

   

  The kids and I have been working hard at homeschool. Kaleb and Brookelynn are doing My Father's World first grade, and Jared is usually doing a learning game on his IPad, or playing with Abigail, our cousin, while the older kids work on their school. I've really enjoyed having Abigail come over. She's an amazing help, and has babysat Jared since he was basically a newborn. She's so good with the kiddos, and they are really good buddies now.  Jared misses her when she leaves, and the next day is always asking, "Where is Abigail?"

 And Justin and I have been leading worship at our church a few weekends a month. That has been a tremendous blessing, as well - one I'd always hoped would come to pass in my family! I play the piano and sing, and Justin plays guitar and sings. He's the head worship leader, and I lead alongside. It's been so fun! 

  

  And...I will end this blog with just a few more pics of our month!

  

Oh, Oreo...He will be one year old on Easter this year. He definitely has a personality of his own...and his own litter robot and self feeder that calls him three times a day to come and eat. It's Justin's voice recorded saying, "Here, kitty, kitty." No, Oreo is not spoiled. ;)

Love this merry go round! 

Well, next time I write, it will probably be Spring, since I'm averaging every three months or so! I cannot tell you how excited I am for March and April to roll around this year! Even though we've had some sunny days this winter, it still doesn't beat the springtime! 

Blessings on you and yours, 

Amber